colorful

adjective

col·​or·​ful ˈkə-lər-fəl 

1

: having striking colors

colorful scenery

2

a

: full of variety or interest

a colorful description

b

of speech : rude, offensive

… he had begun to gamble and use colorful language …

—Yohannes Edemariam

colorfully

ˈkə-lər-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

colorfulness

ˈkə-lər-fəl-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• chromatic
• colored
• kaleidoscopic
• motley
• multicolored
• multihued
• polychromatic
• polychrome
• prismatic
• rainbow
• varicolored
• varied
• variegated
• various

Examples of colorful in a Sentence

I wore a colorful outfit.

He gave a colorful account of his travels.

Recent Examples on the Web

Two panoramic terraces look out onto Positano and the sea, framed by leafy plants, colorful throw pillows and flapping curtains that add a touch of mystic to the whole ambiance. —Livia Hengel, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025

The lavish residence, a boxy, stark white contemporary jazzed up with a colorful lighting scheme, stands out among its Mediterranean Revival neighbors. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 1 June 2025

Savor fresh seafood and waterfront views at area restaurants, enjoy craft beer at local breweries, and shop locally at The District, a colorful collection of shops and restaurants. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 1 June 2025

Buy a set of new cushions for a tired outdoor couch or use a colorful tablecloth to hide stains on a table. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

color entry 1 + -ful entry 1

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing colorful

• colorful character

Kids Definition

colorful

adjective

col·​or·​ful ˈkəl-ər-fəl 

1

: having noticeable colors

2

: full of variety or interest

a colorful personality

colorfully

-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

colorfulness

-fəl-nəs 

noun